More than 190,000 Santa Clara County residents face food insecurity, often forcing families to choose between food and essential household items. In partnership with West Valley Community Services, Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga provides Care Kits for distribution through the Park-It Market, a mobile food pantry serving clients in Los Gatos, Saratoga, and West San Jose who face transportation barriers.
Launched in 2020 with a $2,500 budget, the Park-It Market Care Kit program has become a permanent Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga initiative, now supported by a $9,000 budget and serving six distribution sites. After selecting canned, packaged, and perishable foods, clients may choose one of four Care Kit bags:
Donald Akimoto, manager of mobile operations for WVCS, said, “The Assistance League Care Kits have been a great addition to our Park-It Market program. As the Park-It Market provides families with a choice of free food, this incredible group purchases and prepares kits with a variety of personal and household items that shoppers can choose from. This helps hundreds of families save even more money on these increasingly expensive items.”
More than 35 Assistance League volunteers purchased supplies and assembled Care Kits for distribution at Prospect High School; Anderson, Latimer, DeVargas, and Rosemary elementary schools; and De Anza College. The Saratoga Book-Go-Round also provides gently used books for children to take home. Many children read the books while their parents or guardians collect food and Care Kits.
Assistance League's mission is to serve the local community through innovative programs for people in need. Park-It Market Care Kits advance that mission by helping families facing hardship.
Launched in 2020 with a $2,500 budget, the Park-It Market Care Kit program has become a permanent Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga initiative, now supported by a $9,000 budget and serving six distribution sites. After selecting canned, packaged, and perishable foods, clients may choose one of four Care Kit bags:
- Paper products, including paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissues;
- Cleaning supplies, including all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, and window cleaner;
- Household goods, including dish soap, bar soap, pump hand soap, and sponges; or
- Personal care items, including hand lotion, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
Donald Akimoto, manager of mobile operations for WVCS, said, “The Assistance League Care Kits have been a great addition to our Park-It Market program. As the Park-It Market provides families with a choice of free food, this incredible group purchases and prepares kits with a variety of personal and household items that shoppers can choose from. This helps hundreds of families save even more money on these increasingly expensive items.”
More than 35 Assistance League volunteers purchased supplies and assembled Care Kits for distribution at Prospect High School; Anderson, Latimer, DeVargas, and Rosemary elementary schools; and De Anza College. The Saratoga Book-Go-Round also provides gently used books for children to take home. Many children read the books while their parents or guardians collect food and Care Kits.
Assistance League's mission is to serve the local community through innovative programs for people in need. Park-It Market Care Kits advance that mission by helping families facing hardship.
